Study highlights global variations in retinoblastoma outcomes post-enucleation

There are significant regional differences in the histopathological features and patient outcomes of retinoblastoma following primary enucleation, according to a study that noted, specifically, patients in Asia and South America experience a higher risk of orbital tumor recurrence, systemic metastasis, and death compared to those in Australia, Europe, and North America.

A recent retrospective study analyzed high-risk histopathological features in 1426 eyes primarily enucleated due to retinoblastoma (RB) across 5 continents.

The study found significant regional differences in histopathological characteristics and patient outcomes. The majority of cases were reported in Asia (65%), with much smaller percentages from Australia (2%), Europe (8%), North America (11%), and South America (14%). Key high-risk histopathological features, such as massive choroidal invasion and post-laminar optic nerve invasion, varied widely, with Asia and South America showing higher rates compared to other continents.

Reference
Kaliki S, Vempuluru VS, Bakal KR, et al. High-Risk Histopathological Features of Retinoblastoma following Primary Enucleation: A Global Study of 1426 Patients from 5 Continents. Retina. 2024;doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000004250. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39151183.